Last week Monday I had an appointment and the Dr confirmed that the placenta is definitely starting to deteriorate. We had the same thing with my son, but with him it was much more severe. At least with Kayley she is still getting enough blood supply through the placenta (measured by a doppler test) - the Dr says she is getting enough food, just not any pudding. It does mean that she is not growing as much as expected. Her weight went from an estimated 2.47kg (5.44lbs) at 33 weeks to 2.73kg (6.01lbs) at 36 weeks. That is only 260grams (.57lbs) weight gain in 3 weeks. On average, babies pick up 200grams (.44lbs) per week during the last weeks. The Dr plotted the doppler results on a graph and according to this we have to check on her in 2 weeks time, but by then the caesarean is 2 days away.

Her measurements are really not that far off though. She has measured more or less on schedule throughout the pregnancy, but always slightly behind on some and the Dr has always said that she is petite. During the last scan she was measuring about a week behind.

If we can assume that she will continue to grow at the average rate, she should be 3.1kg (6.83lbs) at birth, but I recon se will be closer to 2.9kg (6.39lbs).

With my son the news that there was problems with the placenta really upset me but this time round I am a lot more relaxed about it. I guess it was because I was expecting it to happen again.

For the time being, I am monitoring her movements and enjoying my maternity leave. Been on maternity leave for about a week now. It has been fabulous just taking some time and getting things done. Kayley's room is now completely done, my bag is packed, I have ticked off some other tasks that were on my to do list and am just taking it one day at a time.

My sister-in-law also had her son 2 weeks ago. This has given us a glimpse of how our son Callum will react to the baby and also given us an opportunity to explain to him that his sister will also be that small and cry because she cannot talk. We think it has proven to be a great opportunity to prepare him for what is coming. He has been very good thus far, taking an interest and he even held him recently and gently kept kissing his head. Bless him! Even though I am at home now, we still take him to school everyday. Our thinking is that we don't want to introduce any additional change in this time leading up to Kayley's arrival. At least being at home means that when he gets home I can focus spending time with him because I have done the stuff I wanted to.

Brittney loves her 4 kids - Tuesday, 7 Maythinking of having my induction scheduled on the 16th... so hopefully she is born by the time i go to have jase :)

♥proudmommy♥5 - Tuesday, 7 MayYay wow almost done. I am sure everything will be just perfect, but it is hard not to worry since you experienced the same thing last time, wish you all the best.

beegee - Tuesday, 7 MayIt sounds like everything is ready for your little one. Now just to relax and wait.

freespirit - Tuesday, 7 MayCan't believe you are nearly there and glad you are relaxed about the placenta issue - I am sure you are monitored so closely that the slightest cause for concern will be raised. I am sure Callum will love his baby sister to pieces and keeping him in his normal routine is an excellent idea. Enjoy the last of the peace of your maternity leave my dear xxxxxxxxxx